Grading Rubric for Essay questions

Excellent 10 / 20 points
Shows a thorough understanding of the question - Addresses all aspects of the question
Shows an ability to analyze. evaluate, compare, and/or contrast issues and events
Richly supports essay with relevant facts, examples, and details
Writes a well-developed essay. consistently demonstrating a logical and clear plan of
organization
Includes a strong introduction and conclusion and strong topic sentences for each paragraph

Very Good 9 / 18 points

Shows a clear understanding of the question - Addresses all aspects of the question
Shows an ability to analyze, evaluate, compare, and/or contrast issues and events
Includes relevant facts, examples. and details, but may not support all aspects of the task evenly
Writes a well-developed essay, consistently demonstrating a logical and clear plan of
organization
Includes a strong introduction and conclusion and strong topic sentences for each paragraph

Good - 8/16 points

Presents a general understanding of the question

Addresses most aspects of the question or addresses all aspects in a limited way

Shows an ability to analyze or evaluate issues and events, but not in any depth

Writes a satisfactorily developed essay, demonstrating a general plan of organization,

with adequate topic sentences

Uses some facts, examples. and details

OK 7 / 14 points

Restates the question in the introduction and concludes with a simple restatements of the
question

Attempts to address the question, but uses vague and/or somewhat inaccurate
information

Shows a limited understanding of the question; omits concrete examples; uses weak
details

Writes a poorly organized essay lacking focus: uses few facts, examples & details;
includes information that contains inaccuracies

Poor or Weak 6/12 points

Has vague or missing introduction and/or conclusion

Develops a faulty analysis or evaluation

Lacks analysis or evaluation of the issues and events beyond stating vague and/or
inaccurate facts

Uses little or no accurate or relevant facts, details, or examples

Weak topic sentences and/or no paragraphing (one long paragraph)

Unsatisfactory 5/10
Fails to address the question adequately
Is illegible